Utilizing Vitamin E to Help Combat the Effects of Aging

Aging is inevitable. All of us get older with every day; however, there is a big difference in appearance and health of individuals that are close to or even of the same age. Although we can’t stop getting older, we can significantly affect the process of aging with antioxidants. Antioxidants, or free radical scavengers, such as Vitamin E, can help counteract the effects of aging. They seek out and remove free radicals that cause cellular damage and aging.

How Does Aging Occur?

The biggest cause of aging is due to damage done by free radicals, which are molecules with a missing electron that travel through our bodies with the sole purpose of finding their missing piece. When these free radicals attack the DNA in our mitochondria, know as the mtDNA, which is believed to control the aging process, they cause oxidative stress, which damages the mtDNA. While some cells can repair themselves, “mtDNA cannot be readily fixed. Therefore, extensive mtDNA damage accumulates over time and shuts down mitochondria, causing cells to die and the organism to age,” explains Ohio State University. The free radicals are stored in our skin, eyes and other organs, causing detriments everywhere it is found.

How Does Vitamin E Help with Combatting the Effects of Aging?

Vitamin E, along with Vitamin C and beta carotene, is called the “antioxidant vitamin.” It is believed to scavenge free radicals, and prevent them from causing oxidative stress to our bodies. According to 2006’s edition of the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging, Vitamin E “occurs in eight natural forms as tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta).” Some can be found in our food, while others are found in supplement form. These nutrients can help combat the effects of aging in the following ways:

Hair Regrowth – Natural News, a natural health advocacy organization, reports that Vitamin E can help to regrow hair after loss by “stimulating the capillaries on the scalp.” The site advises that the best strategy is to apply topical capsules directly to the scalp in conjunction with taking oral supplements.

Increase in Blood Flow – Cell membranes lose their malleability with age, which prevents blood from flowing properly. Lack of blood flow causes poor circulation in parts of our bodies, such as our arms and legs. Poor circulation can lead to “ cramping in the high, thigh or calf after activity, numbness and/or weakness in the legs, change of the color of the skin on the legs, shiny skin on the legs, decreased strength of pulses found in the legs and feet and the possibility of erectile dysfunction in men,” according to Livestrong. Vitamin E improves blood flow, according to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry as reported by Natural News.

Skin Health – The sun can cause damage to our skin through ultra violet rays, causing sunspots and premature wrinkles. The molecules in Vitamin E, which are primarily found in our skin, can prevent UV damage and inflammation, leaving skin looking younger for a longer period of time.

Sources of Vitamin E

Supplements – Vitamin E can be taken in oral tablet, softgel or capsule form and can be applied topically as a cream. These are available with natural Vitamin E, as found in foods (d-alpha-tocopherol), or a synthetic version made in a lab (dl-alpha-tocopherol). Doses can vary from 50-1,000 IU, and should be taken under the supervision of a medical professional.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin E is harder to absorb in the body than water-soluble alternatives. To help with bioavailability, or the degree to which the nutrients get absorbed and utilized in our circulation, Willard Water® has been found to be a big benefit. Studies consistently show that drinking Willard Water® helps with vitamin absorption and utilization. Furthermore, a recent cellular study conducted by NIS Labs in Klamath Falls, Oregon, found that Willard Water® was especially effective in increasing absorption, and activity, of Vitamin E. The patented micelle catalyst in Willard Water® has also been found to aid in the breakdown of particles, which frees antioxidants and promotes absorbability. So be sure to add Willard Water® to your daily diet today!